ESPN: Bill Belichick Targeting ‘Talented, Yet Underachieving Teams’ amid Falcons Buzz

Erin WalshJanuary 16, 2024

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Former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick is likely going to be considered for several vacant NFL head coaching positions this winter, but it appears he’s targeting a certain type of team for his next opportunity.

Belichick has already interviewed for the Atlanta Falcons head coaching vacancy, and ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported Tuesday on SportsCenter that the six-time Super Bowl-winning head coach is interested in coaching “talented, yet underachieving teams” and that “Atlanta probably falls in that category.”

Fowler said:

“We were hearing for a while that the Falcons were interested and so now I’m hearing that there is mutual interest between the Falcons and Belichick. To what extent? Still unclear. But enough for them to meet in person with owner Arthur Blank talking to Belichick, hashing out what their vision might be for that program for a team that’s really a quarterback away. I was told from the beginning that Belichick would likely target talented, yet underachieving teams. Atlanta probably falls in that category.”Belichick and the Patriots mutually parted ways following the 2023 season after 24 years together. He won 17 AFC East titles, nine AFC championships and six Super Bowl titles during his tenure with the franchise.

Much of that success came alongside legendary quarterback Tom Brady, though Belichick’s coaching was equally as important to the team’s dynastic run.

And while the Patriots didn’t make the playoffs in three of the last four seasons under Belichick, New England’s roster has been below average since Brady’s departure and the franchise hasn’t found a capable replacement under center in that span.

The Falcons should be an intriguing option for Belichick as they boast a more talented roster and have floated around the playoff bubble in each of the last three seasons.

Atlanta finished the 2023 campaign with a 7-10 record under Arthur Smith, and it’s worth wondering what Belichick could get out of a roster that includes a plethora of talent in wide receiver Drake London, tight end Kyle Pitts, running back Bijan Robinson, safety Jessie Bates III and defensive end Calais Campbell.

However, a big question mark for Atlanta entering 2024 is who will start at quarterback. The franchise used both Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke in 2023, but neither is considered a franchise quarterback.

The Falcons own the No. 8 pick in the 2024 draft and could use that selection to draft a signal-caller. They could also bring in a veteran via free agency such as Kirk Cousins or Baker Mayfield.

In addition to the Falcons, it’s possible the Los Angeles Chargers with a roster headlined by quarterback Justin Herbert could be intriguing to Belichick. However, it’s unclear if he’ll interview with the franchise.